Normally, it is The Pig and the Lady” but this special menu is a tribute to the mother (Mama Le). After overcoming a stroke while traveling, Mama Le is ready to present her dishes with the help of the Le family.

On the house – Shrimp chips with pickled vegetables

Course #1 – Tom Chien Boc Com (Tapioca -flake crusted Kauai shrimp, thin vermicelli, fish sauce viaigrette)

Course #2 – Canh Chua (Talapia, taro stem, pineapple tamarind broth)

Course #3 – Ga Nuong Nieu xoi chien phong (claypot of braised chicken with shallots, thai ginger, panda leaves, lemon grass, puff rice)

Course #4 – Hu tieu my tho (a noodle soup of roasted pork loin, quail egg, shrimp, fried shallots, chrysanthem, fresh herbs, finished with a red crab sauce)

Desert: Che xam bao luong (Lotus root and seed, chinese dates, dried longon and komba)

It is always a wonderful experience when eating at The Pig and the Lady… or The Lady and the Pig. There are rumors that this may be the last pop up meal but who knows! Maybe after the Le adventures, I am sure they will cook up something amazing!

]]> http://hobnobcity.com/the-special-tribute-the-lady-and-the-pig/feed/ 0 http://hobnobcity.com/where-have-you-been/ http://hobnobcity.com/where-have-you-been/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 10:00:43 +0000 Amy http://hobnobcity.com/?p=8593 Continue reading →]]>

Rihanna  - Where Have You Been (Music Video)

Published on YouTube, April 30, 2012.

Personally, this is the first time in a while that I’ve seen Rihanna do some sexy choreography. I am sure she showed off her moves way back then but she only started growing on me a few years ago. I started to notice a change in her style when she was featured in Jay-Z’s music video, “Run This Town.”  Ever since then, I started observing her fashion closely.

The 24-year-old singer expresses her wild side by dressing up as various animals. In this tribal-themed video, make-up artists plastered on reptilian additions across her naked body. As she transitions into different scenes, she seductively sings while search of her lovePhoto taken from “The Sun”

Overall, I was entertained by her wardrobe choices of headdresses and chunky accessory pieces. I feel that each scene has been produced to mimic a high fashion magazine spread. Her Calvin Harris – produced track is a little to poppy for me but hey… I still respect this chick.

This year Kate Spade is all about a year of pattern, pulling their monthly patterns and designs from famous Australian designer Florence Broadhurst. When I initially saw this dress, it definitely intrigued me. I find that I have a love/hate feeling towards the pattern. I think if I were to live anywhere outside of Hawaii, the dress style and pattern would be easier to pull off. In Hawaii, I feel like it resembles a modern take on a mumu/aloha attire. I saw this as a challenge and decided to buy it. To downplay the bold statement of the pattern and ruffles, I paired it with a casual sweater, flats and browed men’s Goorin Bros hat. Adding the double wrapped belt at the waist helped to give some shape and provide a visual break.

dress: kate spade, sweater: urban outfitters, flats: calvin klein, hat: Goorin Bros, bag: Kate spade

Fashion designer: Betsy Johnson

A few weeks ago, Betsy Johnson has announced that she had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.  According to the court documents, the economic reccession had such an impact which has shown through the declining sales at retail stores.  This would mean that most of the chain’s 63 stores will be close.

During 1978, Betsy Johnson opened her first location in SoHo New York. Her whimsical, whacky, fun and bright colored dresses will still be found in Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth as stated in the Wall Street Journal.

Betsy Johnson will still remain a brand but is still owned by Castancea Partners, a private firm that took over the company five years ago. The label will focus on lower priced ranges. Steven Madden, owns all of Betsey Johnson’s intellectual property, stated that there will not be any interruptions on e-commerce and wholesale deliveries.

It is such a shock and very unfortunate that such a crazy brand has posted the white flag. Best of luck to all the employees and to Betsy Johnson.

The Avengers

Let me start by saying that Marvel and DC comic book stories have grown on me. I was never one to sit next to my brother and read comic books as a child. I was more the type to get my hands dirty and fracture my bones every year. After years of trail and error, I was slowly outgrowing the boyish ways…or at least I thought I did.

Wearing more printed clothes, dresses, and girly motifs, I thought I shook that side out of me. Apparently, my mind is still into blowing up buildings and saving lives. The Avengers satisfy my hero outlook.

The Avengers is the “Earth’s mightiest heroes” as stated in my “Marvel Encyclopedia” (no joke, I did actually purchased a book full of action hero characters – which also includes their bio). The Key members (although not all were introduced in this movie) is Thor, Iron Man, Ant-Man I (Dr. Hank AKA Gian-Man, Goliath, Yellow Jacket), Wasp, Hulk, Captain America, Wonder Man, Hawkeye, Vision, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver; Black Panther; Black Widow, Hercules, Black Knight, She-Hulk, Pulsar, Quasar, Crystal, Sersi, and Ant-Man II.

Here is the history on The Avengers: Their main purpose is to safeguard the planet from “super-menaces too powerful for a single hero to combat.” They were formed by accident shortly after the “Fantastic Four”. The Avengers won government approval from the National Security Council of the USA and United Nations.  The unique character of the Avengers is that their roster is always changing. Members would join, leave and return throughout their comic book life.

The original comic book is a lot more complicated than the movie but how could you keep it short? I felt that the story line of the movie was just about enough to get the point across on what character is does what and how they came about.

What intrigues me about the movie and other comic book inspired movies in general is that it is more intricate than one would imagine. Keep in mind that Marvels “Timely Publications” began in 1939-1972. This means that there are dozens of stories that eventually combine heroes together and help fight against evil powers. With that being said, these stories will eventually turn into movies. Children nowadays are living in a fast-imaginative and creative world with technology that will never slow down and would constantly entertain us.

]]> http://hobnobcity.com/the-avengers/feed/ 0 http://hobnobcity.com/hyfr/ http://hobnobcity.com/hyfr/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 10:00:31 +0000 Amy http://hobnobcity.com/?p=8588 Continue reading →]]>

Drake released a new video on Good Friday. This video is “Bar Mitzvah” themed for song titled HYFR (Hell Ya Fuckin’ RIght). On October 24, 2011 Drake recommitted himself to the Jewish Religion. He collaborated with Lil’ Wayne featuring actual footage from his very own Bar Mitzvah.

On a side note, Lil Wayne pushed heavily on his own clothing brand “TRUKFIT” (skateboard clothing line). TRUKFIT was unveiled on February 2012. His line also includes skate deck, baseball hates and tees.

What does TUCKFIT mean? It is a state of mind and stands for “The Reason You Kill For It”.”

restaurant: luc

location: seattle

crostini trio: tomato jam, tapenade, goat cheese

braised pork skewer, harissa jam, tartar sauce (oh and a pickle!)

french onion soup

let me just state for the record that i’m a fanatic for french onion soup. i am on a mission to find the best french onion soup (loco moco too for that matter, but that’s an entirely different post). Verdict: not the best, but not the worst. broth was good, but i personally would have liked more cheese.

burger, luc’s aioli, tomato jam, caramelized onion, fries

special – kobe beef filet i think? i didn’t order, but i did sample and it was pretty deelish

grilled beef onglet steak, infused peppercorn sauce, fries

chocolate caramel cake

apple cobber

overall the food was just aight. the dishes looked more appetizing than they actually tasted. everything was a little bland and luke warm. Tastiest dish was probably the tapenade crostini and the special for the night. Not sure if i would go back to try it again at my own suggestion. Who knows, maybe it was just an off night?? meh…c’est la vie

Outfit: Borrowed Zara Mens cardigan, Brandy Melville tank top, French Connection pant, Salvatore Ferragamo flats and men’s watch (not borrowed)

Alright, here is the deal. Every now and then, I go through some type of motivation high (and that is not a bad thing). This transitions me into saying that I need to step up my blogging game or whatever it is.

What does this mean? This means that there will be less of me (pictures) and more on educating viewers and readers on fashion/food/entertainment . I am not saying that I am a fashion/food/entertainment expert but my goal is to do some actual research on things that interest me with factual points and a deeper personal opinion on certain things.

If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to email me at amy@hobnobcity.com.

Thank you for your support!

]]> http://hobnobcity.com/im-going-through-some-changes/feed/ 0 http://hobnobcity.com/a-bit-delayed-but-never-too-late/ http://hobnobcity.com/a-bit-delayed-but-never-too-late/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 17:32:42 +0000 Amy http://hobnobcity.com/?p=8573 Continue reading →]]>

Eating my very first FISH TACO (I know…)

Our last few hours before departing and heading back to Honolulu was spent in the Manhattan Beach area. We stopped into “Four Daughters Kitchen” for lunch. Yes, I know what you are thinking… it was my first time eating a fish taco??? – Well, I never liked the idea of a “Fish” taco. It just never settled well in my head but I decided to give it a try anyway.

My overall thoughts? I shouldn’t have ate it because I really wasn’t craving fish that day. I think if it was some other moment, I could see myself liking it (haha). I really enjoyed my iced cold milk though and the food they brought it looked good!

Taking a stroll…

 This is such a beautiful place. Nothing compares to Hawaii but this is a runner up. Manhattan beach is surrounded by beautiful and uniquely designed homes, uphills, and of course, the beach with random roses scattered throughout. I love it…. still, I am lucky to live in Hawaii.

with april drawing to a near, we are well within the swing of spring. translation? time to dust off the espadrilles and wedges

the oldies (stuart weitzman) and the newbies (kate spade) to my collection

love love love the mix colors on this kate spade style. It reminds me of rainbow brite!